Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple butter pork chops combine the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in a dish that feels like autumn on a plate. The rich, caramelized apple butter complements the juicy, pan-seared pork chops beautifully, creating a glaze that’s both comforting and elegant. Each bite delivers warmth from the spices and a hint of tart apple sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tender meat. I once served this with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed sweet potatoes, and it instantly became a family favorite — hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or any time you crave something simple yet special.
Apple Butter Pork Chops: Sweet, Savory, and Fall-Inspired Comfort
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender, juicy pork chops glazed with rich, spiced apple butter and seared to perfection — a sweet and savory dish that captures the comforting flavors of fall.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple butter, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C).
- Reduce heat to medium and add garlic to the pan, sautéing for 30 seconds.
- Brush the apple butter glaze over the pork chops and let cook for another 1–2 minutes per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
Notes
- Pairs beautifully with mashed sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice.
- For extra flavor, marinate pork chops in the apple butter glaze for 1 hour before cooking.
- Use bone-in pork chops for even juicier results.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pork chops — Thick-cut, bone-in or boneless chops work well; they stay juicy and flavorful when seared.
Apple butter — The star of the recipe, it adds a rich, spiced sweetness that creates a luscious glaze.
Olive oil or butter — Used for searing the pork chops to golden perfection.
Apple cider or apple juice — Adds moisture and enhances the apple flavor while deglazing the pan.
Garlic — Provides savory depth and balances the sweetness of the apple butter.
Onion — Sautéed until soft and golden for added flavor complexity.
Dijon mustard — Brings a tangy note that brightens the sauce.
Salt and black pepper — Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Fresh thyme or rosemary — Adds aromatic warmth and freshness.
Apple slices (optional) — For a rustic garnish and a touch of texture.
Directions
Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (145°F/63°C internal temperature). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and lightly caramelized. Stir in apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add apple butter and Dijon mustard, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the glaze to coat the meat. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary, and garnish with optional sautéed apple slices. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking about 20 minutes. Total time: 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of apple cider or broth to loosen the sauce. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, but the texture of the sauce may slightly change upon thawing.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Twist — Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Maple Apple Glaze — Mix in a tablespoon of pure maple syrup for added sweetness.
Herb Butter Finish — Stir a pat of butter and fresh herbs into the sauce before serving.
Caramelized Apple Topping — Sauté sliced apples in butter and cinnamon for a garnish.
Mustard Lovers — Increase Dijon for a tangier, sharper glaze.
Slow Cooker Version — Cook pork chops in the sauce on LOW for 4–5 hours until tender.
Smoky Flavor — Use smoked paprika or grill the chops before glazing.
Vegan Option — Substitute pork with thick cauliflower steaks or tofu and use vegan butter.
Bourbon Glaze — Add a splash of bourbon for a rich, grown-up twist.
Double Sauce — Make extra glaze to drizzle over mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
FAQs
What type of pork chops work best?
Thick-cut, bone-in pork chops retain more moisture and flavor during cooking.
Can I use store-bought apple butter?
Yes, it works perfectly; just ensure it’s not overly sweet or spiced.
What if I don’t have apple cider?
Apple juice or even chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
Can I grill the pork chops?
Yes, grill first, then brush with the apple butter glaze during the final few minutes.
How do I keep pork chops tender?
Avoid overcooking — use a meat thermometer and rest them before serving.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil instead of butter.
What sides go best with this recipe?
Mashed sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice complement it beautifully.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the glaze a few extra minutes or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, chicken breasts or thighs work well with the same glaze.
Does the dish taste very sweet?
No, the Dijon mustard and garlic balance the sweetness perfectly.
Conclusion
Apple butter pork chops are a comforting and elegant dish that beautifully blends savory richness with subtle sweetness. The caramelized glaze, tender pork, and aromatic herbs create a meal that feels both homely and gourmet. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner or an impressive weeknight meal, this recipe is quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite you’ll crave year after year.